Advertising and getting your business out there

[ppaysa]

Hi everyone,

I own a small business which is involved with the supply of labour and contract workers primarily working on construction sites aswell as minor residential jobs.

I would like to get everyones opinions on how I could take the next step to expand and further promote my business in terms of advertising and getting it out there! The main means of advertising I have practised so far has been mailbox paper droppings and word of mouth.

I have researched newspaper advertisements yet have found that it would lead to a loss rather than a gain.

Any suggestions, ideas or tips??

All will be appreciated greatly

Thank you!:)

[Neustance]

How about direct mail to construction and contractor firms? Effective, direct you your customer and reasonably cheap.

[myfayt]

Let me tell you about my experience with newspaper and yellow pages advertising.

I owned a vinyl sign making business, was doing quite well, had steady work. I figured advertising in the biggest local newspaper would help. Paid $99.00 per week for 6 weeks, only received a single call.

Then I tried the yellow pages, figured that would have to pay off. Spent $2,600.00 on a nice ad 1/8 page in color. Thought I'd get alot of business.
After about 5 months of it being out, I received 2 calls the whole time, and only one bought something and it was like $100.00

So what happens next? I went bankrupt.

So my advice use business cards, flyers and word of mouth. Never do advertising.

[TurtleofGod]

maps.google.com

type in your target business , your target location

IE

plumbing, sacramento ca

Then click on the website link for each one, email each one a pre made message that SOUNDS CUSTOM WRITEN NOT CANNED

Free and will keep you busy in volume

[ppaysa]

Thank you guys very much

Very helpful

[CloverMarketing]

Adwords, Criagslist & Yardsigns!

Start with a small adwords budget. Make sure you campaign to target just your local area. You'll need a website to do this effectively.

Post ads on craiglist in multiple categories about every 2-4 days.

Try 100 yard signs out on street corners. Keep it simple, like "Contract Labor" and your phone number or whatever. Call YardSignsWork - 888-509-7446.

[lilg1989@gmail.com]

Build a portfolio when you go talk face to face with construction firm

[CollegeBiz]

I believe posting in forums is free publicity...also you can create a business page in facebook and use twitter to promote...

[sukie]

Forums, Facebook, and leg work. My website can never do any justice to my product but the reaction to it when in hand is priceless. Get word of mouth going.

Has anyone here used facebook per click advertising?

any idea if those "Press release" sites are worth while?

Thanks all.